The great story behind Will Goodwin's loan move to Hartlepool United from Stoke City

Dominic Scurr
By Dominic Scurr
Published 18th Aug 2021, 06:00 BST
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Hartlepool United manager Dave Challinor and latest signing Will Goodwin have a lot more history than you might think.

Goodwin arrived on loan from Stoke City last week and scored for Pools on his Football League debut in Saturday’s 3-2 defeat at Barrow.

The 19-year-old progressed through the ranks at Chester before securing a move to Stoke in February 2021.

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While the loan move seems like an opportunistic one for Hartlepool on face value, Challinor has actually been monitoring Goodwin’s progress for the best part of a decade.

Hartlepool United Will Goodwin celebrates after scoring their second goal during the Sky Bet League 2 match between Barrow and Hartlepool United at Holker Street, Barrow-in-Furness on Saturday 14th August 2021. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News)Hartlepool United Will Goodwin celebrates after scoring their second goal during the Sky Bet League 2 match between Barrow and Hartlepool United at Holker Street, Barrow-in-Furness on Saturday 14th August 2021. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News)
Hartlepool United Will Goodwin celebrates after scoring their second goal during the Sky Bet League 2 match between Barrow and Hartlepool United at Holker Street, Barrow-in-Furness on Saturday 14th August 2021. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News)

As a youngster, Goodwin played for Chester-based junior football club Christleton New Scene – the same club as Challinor’s sons.

While experiencing the early stages of his managerial career, Challinor also coached one of Christleton’s teams on the side.

Although he didn’t manage Goodwin directly, Challinor knew the striker could have a big future ahead of him as he was snapped up by Bolton Wanderers as a 10-year-old before joining Chester.

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